Join me on a mystical adventure of writing and reading YA fantasy novels on the road to publication with all its ups and downs and twists and turns.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Book Reviews

Wow, two posts in one week! That's more than usual. I'm going to start posting on Mondays and Fridays now. I finished Scorch Trials and Crossed. Here's a short review of each book:

Scorch Trials, by James Dashner, is a Dystopian YA novel. It's fast-paced with lots of action, humor, and unexpected twists, especially at the end. The Maze runners are tested in a scorched land filled with crazy zombie-like people infected with a disease who try to kill them and lightning that zaps them from the sky. They must reach the Safe Haven by a certain time to be saved. I particularly loved the dialogue, characters, especially Gorge, who I wanted to see and hear more of near the latter part of the book. As a very visual person and a big fan of description, I also loved the unique way James describe things (emotions, objects, scenes) in his story. Can't wait for the Maze Runner movie to come out!

Crossed, by Allyson Condie, another Dystopian YA novel,is a slower-paced, more introspective book, though there was plenty of action too. It's told from the points of view of the two main characters, Cassia and Ky, as they each escape the Society and flee into a desert canyon. There they find each other again and search for the Rising, a secret group that opposes the Society. If you like to get into the main characters' heads, you'll love Crossed. Though the story itself is interesting, it's the beautiful writing that compelled me to read it the most. And, of course, I love the setting because it's based on the the red rock deserts of Southern where my family enjoys spending time hiking and camping. I could picture the scenes almost as if I were there. There were some big secrets revealed in the book, that didn't seem that shocking to me, and the end left me wondering and hanging a little (as series sometimes do), but all in all this was a great read with depth and beauty and twists and turns like the canyons they wander in the story!

Can you believe I haven't read Maze Runner yet? blech. I keep hearing how fabulous it is but then I forget to look for it at the library. Although....I did remember yesterday and, of course, it was checked out. Might have to buy these books!

And I loved Crossed, too. Such a brilliant series. I love the world she's created. And the characters. And, yes! The setting! :)

The Sisters

About Me

I've always been a day dreamer, staring out the window, imagining adventures, but instead of being the princess rescued by the knight, I was the one fighting the dragons.
In third grade I wrote my first chapter book, and my teacher told me that someday when I was a famous author she'd tell everyone I was her student. This planted the desire to become a writer in my heart.
I'm pursuing my day dreams by writing novels, twisting fairytales, exploring new worlds, and battling bad guys on the page. I have a bachelor's degree in writing and have published short stories, articles, and poetry in magazines.
I love reading in bed, eating sugar-free chocolate, going on outdoor adventures with my husband and three grown children, and plunking away on the guitar.